The number of women working in the construction industry in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States increased by more than 80 percent from the mid-1980s through 2007, according to estimates by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. To promote a safe workplace environment for the growing number of female construction workers, OSHA has renewed its partnership with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).
The alliance between OSHA and NAWIC will continue to focus on minimizing the personal injury accidents that often result in a need to a file a workers’ compensation claim. Such efforts will include reducing workplace hazards and ensuring that quality protective equipment is available. Alliance participants will share information with female construction workers to reduce workplace accidents and provide protection against intimidation and violence in the workplace.
Support will continue for various programs aimed at concerns common among women in the construction industry, including preventing falls and heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the partnership will expand access to initiatives such as OSHA’s Safe + Sound Campaign for Safety and Health Programs, which provide health and safety information for employers and workers. The goal of the alliance is to provide reliable and easily accessible information and tools for women working in high-hazard industries.
Even when precautions are taken, injuries may occur as the result of an oversight on the part of an employer. When a workplace injury accident occurs, an employee may benefit from seeking legal advice after receiving initial treatment for their injury. Doing so may make it easier to secure witnesses and obtain evidence specific to the cause of the injury. If negligence was involved, a lawyer familiar with workers’ compensation cases may be able to secure compensation for pain and suffering, as well as current and future medical expenses.